WHAT DIFFERENCE A WEEK MAKES …………………

This time last week it felt like the world had fallen in but this Saturday Town hammered second place Faversham Town 4-1 in this Ryman Football League Division One (South) fixture. The team fought for every ball and worked hard to bring three well deserved points back to the Belmont.

It all started so well for Whitstable when after five minutes Tom Brunt moved forward an unleashed a shot which went under the body of Faversham goalkeeper Simon Overland who should have done better to put the Town one up. Town continued on the attack and Jake Beecroft had a shot from 20 yards that went well over the bar. With 15 minutes gone Whitstable extended their lead when a long James Everitt throw found Buster Smissen whose header looped over Overland to put Town two up. A further five minutes and another opportunity for Town as David Raggett had a tame shot that was gathered by Overland.

Goal of the game from Jake Beecroft

Faversham did not have their first real chance until the 25th minute when Renford Teague weaved his way down the left but could only send his final shot wide of the target. After 30 minutes Matt Bourne moved forward but under pressure from Micheal Everitt still got his shot away but that was well saved by Dean Ruddy. The rest of the half passed without too much incident with Whitstable continuing to be in control nullifying the Faversham attack.

Faversham came out in the second half with more purpose and started to threaten the Town goal. After 51 minutes they were awarded a penalty when James Everitt was adjudged to have brought down a Faversham striker following a mistimed tackle. Up stepped Danny Hockton who fired the ball into the corner of Ruddy’s net. Faversham continued to attack but after 58 minutes Danny Williams found himself one on one with the goalkeeper after a fast break away. He lobbed the ball over Overland but was adjudged to be off side. Another attempt by Town saw Beecroft loop a shot over the bar. After 67 minutes Darren Marsden had an opportunity for Faversham but only managed to loop a shot wide of the target. Three minutes later an elaborate overhead kick from Williams went straight at Overland who gathered.

Lee seals game with fourth

Faversham then had their best opportunity of an equaliser when a cross ball found Kieran Oliver but he sent his shot wide when it looked easier to score. Faversham were to live to regret that miss as after 84 minutes Beecroft hit the goal of the game when from 25 yards he found a little space and unleashed a shot that sailed into the net to put Town three one up. Town were now well on top and Micheal Everitt had a header that went over the bar. Town sealed the win after 88 minutes when a cross from Beecroft found Ollie Lee who fired home Town’s fourth. One more opportunity a minute from time from Matt Bourne could have given the hosts a consolation but the ball hit the post.

This was a vast improvement on recent weeks and if Whitstable retain this form they will have little more to worry about this season.